Electric Buses in Glades County: A Lifeline During Hurricane Outages

Moore Haven, Florida, USA - In Glades County, Florida, a remarkable transformation is underway as electric school buses are not only changing the face of student transportation but also playing a vital role in community resilience during emergencies. These eco-friendly electric buses, recently integrated into the local school district’s fleet, offer more than just rides; they provide backup power in critical situations, especially during hurricane season.

According to ABC17News, these innovative vehicles have batteries capable of supporting essential services like schools, shelters, and community centers when power outages strike. Angie White-Banda, the transportation supervisor, notes that the buses can serve as mobile generators or cooling stations, making them invaluable during emergencies. They can operate for up to four days without needing a recharge, ensuring that communities have the power they need when it matters most.

Students Welcome the Change

What’s more, the students love their new buses. Sixth-grader Sawyer Honnerlaw expressed relief at the enhanced comfort compared to the older diesel buses. With the introduction of these 13 electric buses earlier this year, Glades County School District has replaced over half of its aging diesel fleet. The result? Reduced emissions and lower running costs, alongside increased comfort for students.

This initiative is not just about eco-friendliness but also about community support. Dan Thomas, the district administrative director, highlighted the importance of these buses, particularly during the hurricane season, especially in the absence of FEMA assistance. As students ride to school, they feel a sense of pride knowing they are contributing to their community’s resilience.

A Community Safety Net

The need for such backup power systems has never been clearer. The Center for Transportation and the Environment reports that many communities often lack mobile generators during emergencies, leaving them vulnerable. With electric buses like those in Glades County operating as mobile power sources, the tide could be turning. Highland Electric Fleets, which manufactured the buses, emphasizes their capability to supply energy back to the grid as well.

At a recent demonstration, one electric bus was even utilized to power a snow-cone machine, showcasing its versatility and capacity for providing fun while serving the community. During emergency situations, having a backup power source can make all the difference, aiding essential services until normalcy is restored.

A Larger Movement

This innovative use of electric buses ties into a broader movement to enhance community resilience across the United States. The innovative transportable power system developed for hybrid electric buses, as reported by CTE, aims to create backup power solutions that can be deployed quickly and efficiently. With the technology available, communities could access power within moments, providing a much-needed lifeline during crises.

As more districts explore adopting electric bus fleets, the balance of transportation and utility is set to shift. With the electric buses already showing promising results in Glades County, other areas may soon follow suit, ensuring that when the storms hit, communities are not left struggling without power. There’s something to be said for safeguarding our futures, one electric bus at a time.

For more on these developments, check out ABC17News, Fox 4 Now, and CTE.